Arqit, in collaboration with Equus and Intel, demonstrates a world-first Quantum-Safe CSfC-Compliant MACP Architecture for Classified Mobile Communications

Rhea-AI Summary

Arqit, Intel, and Equus Compute Solutions have unveiled the world's first quantum-safe CSfC-Compliant MACP Architecture for classified mobile communications. This breakthrough solution combines Arqit's Symmetric Key Agreement Platform with Intel's hardware and strongSwan VPN to create a quantum-resistant secure communication system.

The architecture achieves 90% throughput retention while providing post-quantum security through dual-encrypted tunnels. Key features include:

• Quantum-secure nested IPsec tunneling configuration
• Dynamic symmetric key agreement between VPN endpoints
• Elimination of manual keying processes
• Compliance with NSA's Commercial Solutions for Classified program

The solution will be demonstrated at the RSA Conference in San Francisco from April 28 - May 1, 2025. This development represents a significant advancement in securing classified communications against future quantum computing threats while maintaining high performance.

Positive

• First-to-market advantage with quantum-safe CSfC-compliant MACP architecture, positioning Arqit as an industry leader
• Strategic collaboration with major tech players Intel and Equus strengthens market position
• Successful demonstration of 90% throughput retention across dual-encrypted tunnels, proving commercial viability
• Product eliminates manual keying processes, reducing operational costs and improving scalability
• Direct alignment with NSA security requirements, opening opportunities in government contracts

Negative

• None.

Insights

Cybersecurity Expert

Arqit's quantum-safe encryption architecture with Intel and Equus achieves NSA compliance while solving key management challenges—a significant technological breakthrough.

The collaboration between Arqit, Equus Compute Solutions, and Intel has yielded a significant breakthrough in post-quantum cryptography implementation. Their Mobile Access Capability Package (MACP) architecture achieves dual compliance with the NSA's Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) program while incorporating quantum-resistance—addressing a critical security gap for classified communications.

The innovation centers on Arqit's Symmetric Key Agreement Platform, which elegantly eliminates traditional key management logistics problems. In classified environments, key distribution typically represents a substantial security vulnerability and operational burden. By enabling dynamic symmetric key agreement between VPN endpoints, they've removed the need for manual processes like physical key transport, loading, or auditing—an operational breakthrough specifically noted in the article.

Performance tests revealing 90% throughput retention across dual-encrypted tunnels is particularly impressive. Security implementations typically incur significant performance penalties, but this solution maintains nearly full throughput while implementing post-quantum security measures—a challenging technical feat.

The CSfC compliance is noteworthy as it provides a pre-cleared path for deployment in classified government systems. This represents one of the first commercial implementations demonstrating how post-quantum security can be practically integrated into high-security environments without the typical performance sacrifices, potentially establishing Arqit's approach as a validated methodology for quantum-resistant secure communications.

Technology Industry Analyst

Arqit's quantum-safe CSfC architecture with Intel demonstrates practical, high-performance implementation, positioning them favorably in government security markets.

This collaboration represents strategic positioning in the emerging post-quantum security market. The partnership integrates Arqit's symmetric key agreement technology with Intel's hardware acceleration capabilities, creating an architecture that simultaneously addresses quantum threats and meets stringent government security requirements.

The significance lies in the practical implementation rather than theoretical capability. While many quantum security solutions remain conceptual, this announcement demonstrates a fully functioning system that maintains 90% throughput across dual-encrypted tunnels—addressing the critical performance concerns that typically hinder adoption of advanced security measures.

The NSA's Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) compliance is a crucial market differentiator, as it pre-validates the solution for government deployment. The MACP (Mobile Access Capability Package) architecture specifically addresses secure mobile access to classified data, a high-priority concern for defense and intelligence agencies facing evolving threat landscapes.

Intel's involvement provides hardware optimization through their NetSec Accelerator Reference Design with Intel Xeon D processor and Intel Ethernet Controller E810. This hardware integration delivers the performance necessary to make post-quantum security practical in real-world scenarios.

The upcoming demonstration at RSA Conference indicates confidence in the solution's maturity and readiness for market scrutiny. This public validation of Arqit's technology in a high-profile security environment, paired with Intel's enterprise credibility, potentially strengthens Arqit's competitive positioning in the rapidly evolving post-quantum security landscape.

Post-quantum security with minimal performance impact

LONDON, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) (Arqit), a leader in quantum-safe encryption, in collaboration with Equus Compute Solutions (ECS) and Intel (Nasdaq: INTC), announce the world’s first quantum-safe CSfC-Compliant MACP Architecture for Classified Mobile Communications secured by symmetric key agreement.

The companies have worked together to successfully develop, demonstrate and validate a Mobile Access Capability Package (MACP) architecture that is compliant with the U.S. National Security Agency’s (NSA) Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) programme and resistant to threats from quantum computing.

This innovation introduces a quantum-secure, nested IPsec tunnelling configuration using Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform (SKA-Platform™), strongSwan VPN, and the Intel NetSec Accelerator Reference Design with Intel Xeon D processor and Intel Ethernet Controller E810. The MACP architecture meets CSfC security requirements while eliminating the scale and logistics issues of traditional key management methods, modernising secure mobile access to classified data.

The NSA’s MACP framework provides secure mobile access to classified networks by requiring two layers of commercial encryption. The Equus/Intel/Arqit collaboration demonstrates post-quantum symmetric encryption, mitigating risk from cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) while maintaining performance and scalability.

Arqit’s SKA-Platform enables symmetric keys to be agreed dynamically and securely between VPN endpoints, removing the need for manual keying processes such as couriering, loading or auditing, an operational breakthrough for CSfC architectures. Performance tests achieved 90% throughput retention across dual-encrypted tunnels in realistic environments, demonstrating minimal performance impact while delivering post-quantum security. More information and test results can be found in the white paper here.

“Mission-critical networks require more than Zero Trust, they demand quantum-resilient security and edge intelligence,” said Andy Leaver, CEO of Arqit. “Together with Intel and Equus, we’ve demonstrated how secure user-to-app access can be maintained in the most hostile environments, without sacrificing performance or flexibility. We’re proud to help enable quantum-safe classified access at scale.”

“This development proves the feasibility of achieving CSfC compliance while preparing for the quantum threat. It’s a leap forward in secure communications for government and enterprise alike,” said Jay Lawrence, CEO of ECS. “We’re proud to bring together innovation in hardware and software to solve such a pressing challenge.”

“Intel is committed to delivering easy to use, cost effective and high-performance computing platforms to enable quantum resistant networking,” said Bob Ghaffari, VP and General Manager of Intel’s Enterprise and Cloud Networking Division. “This collaboration shows the Intel NetSec Accelerator Reference Design is an excellent platform for establishing quantum safe networking in the most demanding environments.”

From 28 April – 1 May 2025, the Post-Quantum Security for Mobile Classified Data Access solution will be demonstrated at RSA Conference, San Francisco on the Arqit stand (Moscone North Expo, Booth 5379).

Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. 

Notes to Editors

About Arqit
Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) supplies a unique encryption software service which makes the communications links of any networked device, cloud machine or data at rest secure against both current and future forms of attack on encryption – even from a quantum computer. Compatible with NSA CSfC Components and meeting the demands of NSA CSfC Symmetric Key Management Requirements Annexe 1.2. and RFC 8784, Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform uses a lightweight software agent that allows end point devices to create encryption keys locally in partnership with any number of other devices. The keys are computationally secure and facilitate Zero Trust Network Access. It can create limitless volumes of keys with any group size and refresh rate and can regulate the secure entrance and exit of a device in a group. The agent is lightweight and will thus run on the smallest of end point devices. The product sits within a growing portfolio of granted patents. It also works in a standards compliant manner which does not oblige customers to make a disruptive rip and replace of their technology. In September 2024, Arqit was named as an IDC Innovator for Post-Quantum Cryptography, 2024. Arqit is winner of two GSMA Global Mobile Awards, The Best Mobile Security Solution and The CTO Choice Award for Outstanding Mobile Technology, at Mobile World Congress 2024, recognised for groundbreaking innovation at the 2023 Institution of Engineering and Technology Awards and winner of the National Cyber Awards’ Cyber Defense Product of the Year 2024 and Innovation in Cyber Award 2022, as well as the Cyber Security Awards’ Cyber Security Software Company of the Year Award 2022. Arqit is ISO 27001 Standard certified. www.arqit.uk

Media relations enquiries:
        Arqit: pr@arqit.uk

Investor relations enquiries:
        Arqit: investorrelations@arqit.uk

About Equus
Equus (ECS), a leading provider of innovative IT solutions and services for over 30 years, is dedicated to designing, building, and managing cutting-edge digital infrastructure solutions. Specializing in technology-enabled compute solution optimization, including Immersion Cooling, AI and 5G implementation strategies, our agile, customer-centric team tailors hardware and advisory services to the unique needs of growing, technology-forward businesses. Simply, we empower businesses with the customized IT solutions needed to thrive in a digitally transformed world. Learn more at equuscs.com

Media Contact:

Rachel Kerstetter, APR 
Bonnie Ward
jsa_equus@jsa.net
866-695-3629 ext 39

Caution About Forward-Looking Statements

This communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Arqit’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond Arqit’s control. Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Arqit to predict these events or how they may affect it. Except as required by law, Arqit does not have any duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere after the date this communication is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this communication may not occur. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect Arqit’s future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: (i) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Arqit, (ii) the ability to maintain the listing of Arqit’s securities on a national securities exchange, (iii) changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which Arqit operates, variations in operating performance across competitors and changes in laws and regulations affecting Arqit’s business, (iv) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realise additional opportunities, (v) the potential inability of Arqit to successfully deliver its operational technology, (vi) the risk of interruption or failure of Arqit’s information technology and communications system, (vii) the enforceability of Arqit’s intellectual property, (viii) market and other conditions, and (ix) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Arqit’s annual report on Form 20-F (the “Form 20-F”), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on 5 December 2024 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. While the list of factors discussed above and in the Form 20-F and other SEC filings are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realisation of forward-looking statements.

FAQ

What is the quantum-safe MACP architecture announced by Arqit (ARQQ) and Intel in April 2025?

Arqit, Equus, and Intel demonstrated the first quantum-safe CSfC-Compliant MACP Architecture for classified mobile communications. It uses symmetric key encryption, achieving 90% throughput while providing protection against quantum computing threats.

How does ARQQ's new quantum-safe mobile security solution perform in tests?

The solution maintains 90% throughput retention across dual-encrypted tunnels in realistic environments, delivering post-quantum security with minimal performance impact while meeting NSA's CSfC security requirements.

What are the key benefits of Arqit's SKA-Platform in the new MACP architecture?

Arqit's SKA-Platform enables dynamic and secure symmetric key agreement between VPN endpoints, eliminating manual keying processes like couriering, loading, or auditing, marking a significant operational breakthrough for CSfC architectures.

Where can investors see ARQQ's quantum-safe mobile security demonstration in 2025?

The Post-Quantum Security for Mobile Classified Data Access solution will be demonstrated at RSA Conference in San Francisco from April 28 - May 1, 2025, at Arqit's booth (Moscone North Expo, Booth 5379).

What partners are involved in ARQQ's quantum-safe mobile security solution?

The solution is developed through a collaboration between Arqit (ARQQ), Equus Compute Solutions (ECS), and Intel (INTC), combining their expertise in quantum-safe encryption, hardware, and networking technologies.